Japan Unveils Name Of New Imperial Era

As Emperor Akihito prepares to abdicate the throne at the end of the month, the name of the forthcoming imperial era has been revealed as ‘Reiwa’ (令和), signifying order and harmony.

Every emperor’s era has its own name, which appears in places such as coins and official paperwork.

After 30 years on the throne, Japanese Emperor Akihito will abdicate in about one month. That will mean the end of the current Heisei era.

Japanese consumers are bidding a nostalgic farewell to 30 years of the Heisei era under Emperor Akihito by flocking to retrospective events and buying memorabilia as businesses cash in on the era change.